Pentagon Unveils Urgent Plan for 5,000-Bed Migrant Facility
UPDATE: The Pentagon has just announced plans for a massive migrant detention facility at Fort Bliss, Texas, with a capacity of 5,000 beds for undocumented migrants. This urgent project was confirmed during a press briefing by Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson on Thursday, marking a significant escalation in the U.S. government’s approach to immigration enforcement.
Construction of the facility began in July 2023, with the initial phase set to accommodate 1,000 illegal aliens expected to be operational by mid to late August. Wilson emphasized the facility’s role in supporting President Donald Trump’s executive orders aimed at securing U.S. borders. “Once DOD achieves initial stand up, we will finish construction for up to 5,000 beds in the weeks and months ahead,” Wilson stated.
This facility is poised to become the largest federal migrant detention center in U.S. history, reflecting the Trump administration’s intensified focus on immigration control. The announcement comes as Indiana Governor Mike Braun revealed plans for a similar center, dubbed the “Speedway Slammer,” which will house 1,000 migrants at the Miami Correctional Center. Braun expressed his commitment to combating illegal immigration in a statement, saying, “We are proud to work with President Trump as they remove the worst of the worst.”
The funding for these facilities is part of a reconciliation bill signed by Trump, which includes provisions for the 287(g) program that enhances collaboration between federal and local authorities on immigration enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security has also indicated that individuals who voluntarily leave the country may be eligible for a $1,000 incentive and free travel, potentially paving the way for legal reentry in the future.
In a related development, the controversial facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” has been operational in Florida, serving as a staging center for deportations. This facility, which occupies a decommissioned airport in the Everglades, currently holds 2,000 individuals, with plans to double its capacity. The opening of “Alligator Alcatraz” has drawn criticism from advocacy groups concerned about its implications for both immigration and environmental issues.
As deportation flights began last month, the impacts of these new policies are becoming increasingly evident. With the approaching operational date for Fort Bliss, the situation is evolving rapidly, and many are watching closely to see how these facilities will affect both migrants and local communities.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
